Technology ID
TAB-3462
Novel Activators of Pyruvate Kinase for the Treatment of Hemolytic Anemias
E-Numbers
E-014-2012-0
Lead Inventor
Thomas, Craig (National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH/NHGRI))
Co-Inventors
Shen, Min (National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH/NHGRI))
Boxer, Matthew (National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH/NHGRI))
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Therapeutic Areas
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Infectious Disease
Endocrinology
Dental
Cardiology
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Lead IC
NCATS
This technology includes the development and use of small molecule activators of pyruvate kinase (PK) for the treatment of inherited nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, including PK deficiency. PK deficiency is caused by an inherited deficiency in an enzyme that reduces the lifespan of red blood cells. More than 150 unique mutations have been identified in the PK gene that lead to decreased activity in this essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. The prematurely lysed red blood cells can lead to jaundice, splenomegaly, and a hemolytic anemia. Patients with severe cases require blood transfusions.
Commercial Applications
Further clinical work could establish the small PK molecule activators as a treatment for inherited nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, including pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Competitive Advantages
Current therapy for pyruvate kinase deficiency is done using transfusions. The current technology of pyruvate kinase (PK) activators may lead to an additional treatment option.
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